Arizona teen birth rate on the decline
Feb 14, 2013, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
Teen birth rates both nationwide and in Arizona are on the decline.
In 2012, there were 8,049 teen births in Arizona compared to 9,421 in 2011, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
“We’ve got a long ways to go,” said Sheila Sjolander with ADHS. “Last time I looked, Arizona is ranked tenth-highest in the nation for teen birth rates.”
Sjolander said contributing factors to the decline could include education, outreach and a shift in social norms.
Nationally in 2011, there were 31 births for every 1,000 women.
